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Xarelto

(rivaroxaban)

In this factsheet:
• How does Xarelto work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Xarelto?
• What form(s) does Xarelto come in?
• Who should NOT take Xarelto?
• What side effects are possible with Xarelto?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Xarelto?
• What other drugs could interact with Xarelto?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Xarelto work? What will it do for me?

Rivaroxaban belongs to the family of medications called anticoagulants. Anticoagulants prevent harmful blood clots from forming in the blood vessels by reducing the ability of the blood to clot. Rivaroxaban is used to prevent blood clots for people who have had total hip replacement or knee replacement surgery.

Rivaroxaban is also used to prevent stroke or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Xarelto?

For knee replacement surgery or hip replacement surgery, the usual dose of rivaroxaban is 10 mg taken by mouth, once daily with or without food. This medication is generally started within 6 to 10 hours after the surgery. For hip replacement surgery, the treatment should continue for 35 days. For knee replacement surgery, the treatment should continue for 14 days.

For stroke and clot prevention in people with atrial fibrillation, the usual dose is 20 mg taken by mouth, once daily with food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Xarelto come in?

Each round, biconvex, light red, film-coated tablet, marked with the Bayer Cross on one side and "10" and a triangle on the other side, contains rivaroxaban 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose 5 cP, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, ferric oxide red, hypromellose 15 cP, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

Who should NOT take Xarelto?

Do not take rivaroxaban if you:

• are allergic to rivaroxaban or any ingredients of the medication
• are bleeding actively or have a high risk of bleeds
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• are taking certain medications such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, or ritonavir
• have a body lesion at risk of bleeding, including bleeding in the brain within the last 6 months
• have liver disease associated with an increased risk of bleeding

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